Grandma Shen took a bite of a dumpling, the fresh and fragrant flavor spreading in her mouth. She couldn't help but nod, "Delicious...deliciouser than anything I've ever had before." She looked at the food on the table, then at her family members beside her, her eyes filled with happiness—this was the most sumptuous and heartwarming meal she had ever eaten in her life, and the first time she had truly felt the meaning of home.
In the days that followed, Grandma Shen gradually adapted to life in the city. Lin Wanqiu would cook delicious meals for her every day, varying the dishes to supplement her nutrition; Shen Tingzhou would chat with her after work, telling her about the interesting things happening in the city; Shen Nian'an and Shen Nianxi would often accompany her for walks and sunshine, telling her interesting stories from school. Grandma Shen's health gradually improved, she smiled more, and looked several years younger.
One morning, Lin Wanqiu took Grandma Shen to the city hospital for a physical examination. Looking at the report, the doctor smiled and said to Grandma Shen, "Grandma, your health has recovered very well. Your blood pressure and blood sugar are both normal. As long as you continue to maintain good lifestyle habits, you will definitely live to be a hundred."
Grandma Shen smiled and thanked him, her heart filled with gratitude. As they walked out of the hospital, Lin Wanqiu took her hand and said in a relaxed tone, "Mom, you see, I told you your health would get better and better. From now on, we'll go for a walk in the park every morning to breathe fresh air; it's good for your health."
Grandma Shen nodded, her eyes full of relief: "Okay, I'll listen to you. Wanqiu, I was confused before, I always thought you were an outsider and targeted you in every way, please don't take it to heart."
Lin Wanqiu smiled and shook her head: "Mother, I've long forgotten about the past. Our family should live in harmony, and things will only get better from now on."
On the way back from the hospital, Lin Wanqiu took Grandma Shen to the department store. She bought Grandma Shen a new woolen coat, a pair of cotton shoes, and some of her favorite snacks and fruits. Grandma Shen looked at the things in her hands, feeling very touched, but also a little embarrassed: "Wanqiu, don't buy me anything more. I already have enough clothes."
"Mother, don't be so polite. This is all I should do," Lin Wanqiu said with a smile. "You're getting old, you should enjoy life. You've had enough of the hard times in the past, now it's time to enjoy your retirement."
When he got home, Shen Tingzhou had already finished get off work. Seeing the new clothes on Grandma Shen, he smiled and said, "Mom, you look so good in this dress, you look much younger."
A shy smile appeared on Grandma Shen's face, her heart filled with happiness. At dinner, she offered to help make dumplings, and Lin Wanqiu didn't refuse, patiently teaching her how to roll out the dough and how to fill it. Grandma Shen learned very diligently, and although the dumplings she made weren't very pretty, she was overjoyed.
That evening, Old Mrs. Shen sat on her bed, gazing at the moonlight outside the window, her heart filled with emotion. She thought of her days in the commune, of her past foolishness and harshness, and of her current happy life, her heart overflowing with gratitude for Lin Wanqiu. She secretly resolved to treat Lin Wanqiu well from now on, to cherish this family, and to never do anything foolish again.
In the days that followed, Grandma Shen would get up early every day to help Lin Wanqiu clean her room and prepare vegetables. Although she couldn't do heavy work, she did her best. Lin Wanqiu advised her to rest more, but she smiled and said, "I have nothing to do at home anyway, so I feel at ease helping you with some chores."
On the eve of the Spring Festival, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou took Grandma Shen and the children to buy New Year's goods. The streets of the city were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the atmosphere was festive everywhere. Grandma Shen looked at the scene before her with great curiosity—she had never seen such a lively scene in her life. Shen Nianxi took her hand and excitedly pointed to the lanterns and couplets on the roadside: "Grandma, look, those lanterns are so beautiful! Let's buy a few to hang at home!"
Grandma Shen smiled and nodded: "Okay, let's buy it! We'll buy the biggest and brightest lantern!"
The family bought Spring Festival couplets, lanterns, fireworks, and various other New Year's goods at the mall. Grandma Shen also specially bought new clothes and toys for Shen Nian'an and Shen Nianxi. Seeing the children's happy smiles, Grandma Shen's heart was filled with joy.
On New Year's Eve, the family sat around the dining table, enjoying a sumptuous reunion dinner and watching the fireworks outside the window, their faces beaming with happiness. Shen Tingzhou raised his glass and said to Grandma Shen, "Mother, I wish you good health and all the best!"
Lin Wanqiu also raised her glass and said with a smile, "Mother, I wish you boundless happiness and longevity!"
Shen Nian'an and Shen Nianxi also raised their juice glasses and said in unison, "Grandma, Happy New Year!"
Looking at her family, Grandma Shen's eyes were filled with tears, but she smiled and raised her glass: "Good, good! I wish our family peace, safety, happiness, and fulfillment!"
After dinner, the family sat in the living room watching the Spring Festival Gala. Grandma Shen leaned back on the sofa, watching the lively programs on TV, and then looked at her family members beside her, her heart filled with warmth. She quietly took Lin Wanqiu's hand and whispered, "Wanqiu, thank you... You made me feel the warmth of home, and you allow me to enjoy my old age in peace."
Lin Wanqiu grasped her hand in return and said with a smile, "Mother, we're family, no need to be so polite. We'll get better and better together in the future."
After the Spring Festival, Grandma Shen's health improved and her spirits soared. She went for walks in the park every day, made many new friends among the elderly, and even practiced Tai Chi and square dancing with them. Sometimes, she would visit Lin Wanqiu's food stall to help out, watching the shop and greeting customers. Although she couldn't do much, she enjoyed it immensely.
One afternoon, Grandma Shen returned from the park and saw Lin Wanqiu hanging out the laundry in the yard. She quickly went over to help. "Wanqiu, take a break, I'll hang it out." She took the laundry from Lin Wanqiu and carefully draped it on the clothesline.
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